CarComplaints.com Notes: Beware the 2003 Honda Pilot once the odometer reaches 100k miles, when two problem defect trends have shown up: transmission failure & ignition switch problems.

Typically a locksmith can fix the ignition switch or it can be replaced for around $700. However the transmission failure is a far more expensive problem, with the average repair cost at well over $3,000. A major transmission recall of over 1 million Honda vehicles back in 2004 dealt with transmission damage due to overheating, but 2003 Pilot transmissions have continued to fail.

6.2

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
12,100 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Honda Pilot engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Honda Pilot Owner Comments

problem #3

Jul 042004

Pilot 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Severe engine valve clattering when pulling light loads or accelerating uphill and loud roaring sound from tires after 23000 miles.

- Northport, AL, USA

problem #2

Apr 212004

Pilot 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
Found a whinning noise in the area of the power steering pump on our 2003 Pilot with 9,000 miles been in the shop for 5 days they have replaced the tension pully on the timing belt did not fix now they are scratching their heads

- Abingdon, MD, USA

problem #1

Nov 102002

Pilot 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,300 miles
Thunking noise from gas tank when stopping. It has been identified as the baffles but Honda dealer refuses to repair under warranty.

- Sterling, VA, USA

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